How much money did you make last year? How much money did you save last year. Tax time is here so a lot of families are seeing how much money they spent over the course of one year. I started a long list for us to think about as we are out because no matter; We all need to save money. I make so many excuses to spend it- I forget. I see the red and yellow colors everywhere that makes my brain say “I’m hungry. Eat now.” As a newly wedded husband, it is a sin to come home without chocolate and pork rinds. And the newest gadgets that are coming out cause a few extra credit card swipes.
Here are some great ways to save money on everyday things that you may do to cut down on your monthly expense. I made this mostly from other’s suggestions, but mixed a few of mine in there too- can you guess which are mine? I will try to make it short as possible. Be sure to leave a comment on how YOU save money.
Let’s first go to the biggest spender for most: FOOD
@ The Super Market: have a shopping list. every week. Store Brands are often 25% cheaper. Plus here is a no-brainer our brains forget: collect coupons. Use coupons at the supermarket. Some good resources are: RetailMeNot.com, CouponMom.com, CouponCabin.com and Coupons.com.
Things to TAKE OFF your grocery list-
condiments/sauces
napkins / paper towels
plastic utensils
All of these can be “collected” from the deli; then stop at Arby’s, Mickey D’s and my favorites, Quikie Marts, Taco Bell & Wendy’s. Go into the lobby and order, not the drive-thru. After your order you will see a collection of pre-wrapped plastic ware and condiments can be found where you create your own hotdogs. Don’t be greedy. You know you will be back later that month, to get gas or satisfy a naughty craving so take no more than a few days or a week’s worth. ORDER WATER for your beverage when out. Restaurants and fast-food carry-outs mark up their beverages — especially alcohol — far more than their food. That $1.75 soda may not seem like a lot, but based on U.S. Census Bureau data, the average family of four could save about $800 per year by drinking tap water when they dine out.
Speaking of “take-out”-Brown-bag your lunch every day at work or before you leave the house and you could easily save $27 per week. That’s a savings of about $1,300 per year, or more than $50,000 over a 40-year career!
TRANSPORTATION
I hope you are not buying Premium Gasoline. Car experts have confirmed you’re wasting your money by using a higher grade of gas than the manufacturer recommends. Premium grades cost about 20 cents to 40 cents more per gallon than regular unleaded. You could save up to $5 per week on filling up, or more than $250 savings.
Drive the speed limit.
If you notice, the roads are already surveyed, but not only for safety. The inclines and declines of elevation shift the weight of your car. If you let off the gas for the downhills and stay under the speed limit, you will run fewer RPM’s in your engine-saving gas and saving money at the pump.
ENTERTAINMENT
Call your cable company to downgrade or bundle — or get rid of cable altogether. Order only INTERNET service. Most websites allow you to view your favorite shows for free. They may not be live or “new” eposodes, but its FREE; saving you money. Search online for keywords: projectfreetv, letmewatchthis.ch or crackle. And when it comes to Books, Magazines, DVDs and More
the average American household spends about $200 per year on books alone (U.S. Census Bureau), most of which could be borrowed for a FREE from any of the nation’s 17,000 public libraries. I found new Kevin Trudeau books at my local library-that saved me the $19.99 plus shipping and handling fees that come along with TV offers.
Break a Truly Bad Habit
There are a lot of health reasons to give up bad habits like smoking. But don’t overlook the financial incentives. Buying a single pack of cigarettes per day will cost you on average about $2,000 a year or, say, $100,000 over 50 years of smoking.
WHERE TO PUT THE SAVINGS?
An excellent place to start is paying down your home mortgage! According to the website mortgagecalculator.org, paying just $100 extra every month toward the principal of the average 30-year mortgage will allow you to pay it off in only 24 years and save you tens of thousands of dollars in interest. Also you can pay down small debts! Its always good to save up a few hundred dollars to pay down small debts that are damaging your credit score. These small debts are easy to pay off and will increase your beacon score over 100 points.
What other things can you do with your savings? Leave a comment below! Don’t forget to add something that you do which puts money in your pocket!
